The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently determined in a study that 18-wheelers are more likely to get into an accident when winds exceed 25 miles per hour. Essentially, once 18-wheelers reach a certain speed and wind resistance mounts on one side of the truck, the chances of the truck tipping over drastically increase. This generally happens on bridges, highways, open prairies, and overpasses. If you are a truck driver, or you are someone who has been injured in an accident with an 18-wheeler, please continue reading and reach out to our experienced team of Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys today. Here are some of the questions you may have:
How do high-speed winds play a role in 18-wheeler accidents?
The three main wind-related types of truck accidents are high crosswinds, improperly loaded 18-wheelers, and truck drivers failing to sufficiently respond and adapt to these conditions. High crosswinds can cause a truck to lose balance and topple over, and improperly-loaded trucks can further increase the chances of a truck toppling over after being hit by a strong gust of wind. That being said, truck drivers are responsible for adjusting their approach at the wheel when they know high winds are a probability. This means checking the weather beforehand, and if they are out on the road when high winds occur, they should slow down, pull over, or take a different route. When they fail to take these precautions, serious accidents can happen as a result.
What should I do if I am injured in an accident with an 18-wheeler?
If you are involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler, there are several things you should do to increase your chances of winning a future personal injury claim. First and foremost, as long as you are still physically capable of doing so, you should call the police, as they will send an ambulance to the scene of the accident. From here, you should ask the truck driver for his or her insurance information and take pictures of the scene of the accident. You should also ask anyone who witnessed the incident for their contact information, and, finally, retain the services of a knowledgeable Pennsylvania personal injury attorney who can gather and present all additional evidence needed to prove your claim. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Pennsylvania is two years, which is why you must not wait any longer than two years to file, for if you do, you will most likely be barred from suing. We are here to help you–all you have to do is ask.
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